Your appointment is booked and the design is ready. Now for the practical part: getting to 7th and Olive, finding parking, and showing up ready for a good session. Here's everything we tell clients before they come in.
Where we are
Mantle Tattoo is at 705 S Olive St, Ste A, Los Angeles, CA 90014, at the corner of 7th and Olive, a block from Pershing Square. We sit between the Financial District and the Historic Core, with the Jewelry District, Fashion District and South Park all a short walk away.
We're open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, by appointment.
Getting here by Metro
Downtown traffic is unpredictable, so the train is often the easiest way in:
- 7th Street/Metro Center (A, B, D and E Lines) is a few minutes' walk from the studio.
- Pershing Square (B and D Lines) is just as close.
- Coming from Pasadena or Long Beach? The A Line runs straight to 7th Street/Metro Center with no transfer.
Parking near the studio
Metered street parking is sometimes available right out front, depending on the time of day. If the street is full, there are several paid lots and garages within a block, with all-day rates from about $10.
Two tips:
- Pay for longer than you think you need. Sessions can run over, especially for larger or more detailed pieces, and you don't want to step out mid-tattoo to feed a meter.
- Allow extra time at rush hour. Weekday mornings and late afternoons are the slowest times to drive and park downtown.
What to bring
- A valid photo ID. In California you must be 18 or older to get tattooed, and we'll check.
- Your reference images, saved on your phone, even if you've already sent them to us.
- Payment for the balance. Your deposit comes off the total. We accept cash, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, Venmo, Zelle, PayPal and Cash App.
- Water and a snack, especially for longer sessions.
- Headphones or something to pass the time, if you like to zone out.
What to wear
Choose clothes that give your artist easy access to the spot you're getting tattooed, and that you don't mind getting a little ink on. For a forearm piece, short sleeves are ideal. For ribs, back or thigh, think loose layers you can adjust or remove comfortably.
The day before and the day of
- Get a good night's sleep. You'll sit more comfortably and heal better.
- Eat a real meal before you come in, so you aren't running on empty.
- Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours. It can increase bleeding during the session.
- Keep the area out of the sun. Sunburned or irritated skin is harder to tattoo.
- Arrive a few minutes early so there's time for paperwork without cutting into your session.
Running late, or something came up? Text us at 323.395.0049 as soon as you know. With at least one full business day's notice, we can move your appointment without a new deposit (see our deposit policy).
How long you'll be at the studio
Plan for more than the tattoo itself. Before your artist starts, there's paperwork, a look at your design, any final adjustments and the stencil. After they finish, your tattoo is cleaned, bandaged and explained. Together, those steps usually add some extra time on either side of the session.
The session length depends on the piece:
- Small, simple designs are often finished fairly quickly once the stencil is on.
- Detailed or shaded work, like realism or a larger floral, takes noticeably longer.
- Large pieces may be split across more than one appointment, with healing time in between.
If you're not sure how long to set aside, ask when you book. We'd rather you plan for a little extra time than rush out to a meeting or a parking meter.
Before or after: things nearby
Arriving early, or want to make an afternoon of it? A few spots within a short walk of 7th and Olive:
- Pershing Square, a block away, for a few quiet minutes before your session.
- Grand Central Market on Broadway, about a 10 to 15 minute walk, for food stalls and coffee.
- The Last Bookstore on Spring Street, a similar walk, if you like browsing.
- FIGat7th, by 7th Street/Metro Center, for quick food near the station.
Just keep a fresh tattoo covered and out of the sun on your way home.
After your tattoo
Your artist will bandage the tattoo and go over aftercare before you leave. The short version: keep it clean, pat it dry, use a thin layer of unscented lotion, and stay out of pools, hot tubs, the ocean and direct sun while it heals. Healing takes about two to four weeks. Our aftercare guide has the full instructions.
Stepping out into the downtown sun afterward? Keep the fresh tattoo covered with loose clothing rather than sunscreen until it has healed.
Visiting the studio FAQ
Can I bring someone with me?
Ask when you book. Space around each station is limited, so it's easiest to plan ahead if you'd like a friend there for support.
Can I eat or drink during my session?
Yes, during breaks. Bring water and a snack, and let your artist know when you'd like a pause. Keeping your blood sugar up helps you sit comfortably.
What if I feel lightheaded?
Tell your artist straight away. It happens occasionally, especially on an empty stomach, and a short break with water and a snack usually helps. Eating a real meal beforehand is the best prevention.
Can I use numbing cream?
Ask your artist before you put anything on your skin. Some products change how the skin takes ink, so it's best to check first.
Haven't booked yet? Send an appointment request or text us; same-day spots often open up.
